Mattress sheet and system incorporating the same

ABSTRACT

A mattress sheet is provided that has a panel of a selected size and configuration to be disposed on a mattress in a close fitted relationship. The panel includes a bottom layer that confronts the mattress when disposed thereon, a top layer that provides an upper surface for the panel, and an intermediate layer interposed between the top and bottom layers. A mattress sheet system is provided including a mattress casing sized to receive a mattress in its interior in a close fitted relationship and a mattress sheet that spans the interior when in a fastened state. Cooperative fasteners disposed respectively on the mattress casing and the mattress sheet are located to fasten to one another so that the mattress sheet can be releasably fastened to the mattress casing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to bedding products, and particularly infant bedding products for creating a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for an infant or small child. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a versatile and tight fitting mattress sheet. The present invention is also directed to mattress sheet system that incorporates a taut fitted bed sheet that is easy to remove.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Parents provide for their children in a wide variety of ways. At a basic level, however, most parents provide their children with the necessities of food, clothing and shelter. While the needs of children last from birth through later years, the care and nurturing of newborns and young infants present special issues. In response to these special issues, the infant/baby industry continues to grow with new and innovative products that are continuingly made available to expectant mothers and fathers for the care of their children. Presently, the infant industry offers a vast number of products ranging from bedding products, travel products, feeding products, toys, bathing and health products, clothing, and the like.

Of the many items inevitably present on an expecting parent's to-do list, perhaps the most important is to provide the baby with a welcoming and safe sleeping environment. Typically, newborns will spend a majority of their time in the crib and several months after birth, they will still spend about twelve (12) hours of every day in their crib. Accordingly, it is important that the crib and mattress selected be of a good quality so that it is safe and comfortable for the infant. To this end, there are a variety of cribs and crib mattresses available that are currently regulated by particular safety standards to prevent injury to the infant that have been recommended or established by organizations such as the SIDS Alliance, American Academy of Pediatricians, and the Surgeon General.

Currently, crib constructions must meet certain safety standards and those standards further require that crib mattresses fit tightly within in the crib frame to prevent the baby from slipping between the mattress and the sides or ends of the crib. Many experts in the field, such as the SIDS Alliance further recommend that the crib mattress be firm so as to reduce the risk of SIDS and problems with the development of the spine. They also suggest that the mattress not be covered with a quilt, sheepskin, or anything else that could interfere with providing the infant with adequate air circulation around the face.

In addition, many experts recommend that a water absorbent bed pad be placed on top of the mattress and that both the mattress and the pad be covered with tight fitting crib sheet that tucks smoothly underneath the mattress. Research has indicated that a tight fitting crib sheet both enhances the infant's comfort and prevents the infant from becoming tangled about in the folds of a loose-fitting sheet.

A comfortable sleeping environment may also include one or more sleep aids such as products that play soothing sounds to help lull an infant to sleep or that may even be sound activated so that if the infant awakes, the soothing sounds may again return the infant to sleep. Other sleep aids include a variety of cushion devices, such as sleep positioners, crib wedges and head supports to position a sleeping infant's head in a manner that helps prevent Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly).

Oftentimes, infant sleep aid products are developed in response to pediatrician recommendations. For example, some pediatricians recommend that an infant be placed either on his/her back while others recommend that the infant be placed on his/her side in an effort to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, commonly referred to as SIDS. As a result, various infant sleep positioners have been developed and typically take the form of support pillows or wedges that may be positioned about the infant to maintain the infant in the desired sleeping position. These infant sleep aids are typically loosely placed within the crib on the crib sheet where their effectiveness can be somewhat diminished if inadvertently moved about by the infant during sleep. Furthermore, with the frequency by which crib sheets need to be replaced, it may be somewhat tedious and time consuming to both remove items from the crib and go through the process of removing the tight fitting sheet to replace it with a new one.

There has long been a need for a crib sheet that not only provides a tight fit about the crib mattress, but that is easier to remove and replace than that of conventional crib sheets. There is also a need for providing sleep aids, such as sleep positioners, that can be used by a sleeping infant in a way that maximizes its effectiveness. The present invention is directed to meeting these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and useful crib mattress sheet that tightly fits over the mattress and that is easy to change.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cooperating crib mattress sheet and mattress casing for a standard sized crib mattress.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a crib mattress sheet that provides a surface for the placement of sleeping aids, such as sleep positioners, blankets, and pillows.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a crib mattress sheet that includes a water absorbent layer to eliminate the need for a separate water absorbing mattress pad,

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a crib mattress sheet that is soft, provides a comfortable sleeping environment for an infant, and is machine washable.

According to the present invention, then, a mattress sheet is provided that comprises a panel of a selected size and configuration that is adapted to be disposed on a mattress in a close fitted relationship. The panel is preferably rectangular in configuration and ncludes three layers, a bottom layer that confronts the mattress when disposed thereon, a top layer that provides an upper surface for said panel, and an intermediate layer interposed between the top and bottom layers. The bottom layer may be formed of a water resistant material that is selected from the group consisting of vinyl and nylon. The top layer may be formed of a polyester material that may specifically be polyester tricot. The intermediate layer may be formed of a water absorbent material selected from the group consisting of polyester rayon blend and cotton. The top and intermediate layers may be laminated together.

The present invention is also directed to a mattress sheet system adapted for use with a mattress of a selected size and configuration. The mattress sheet system generally includes a mattress casing that is sized and adapted to receive the mattress therein in a close-fitted relationship. The casing includes a bottom panel and a surrounding sidewall joined to the bottom panel around a periphery thereof and extending upwardly from said bottom panel to terminate in a top edge portion. The sidewall has an inner surface and an outer surface and, together with the bottom panel, forms a casing interior. If desired, the mattress casing may further include a top panel spaced apart from the bottom panel and spanning the casing interior. The top panel may be joined to the sidewall of the mattress casing around a majority of its periphery so as to form an entryway. The entryway is sized to allow access to the casing interior whereby the mattress may be inserted therethrough.

The mattress sheet system also includes a mattress sheet that spans the casing interior when in a fastened state and cooperative fasteners disposed respectively on the mattress casing and the mattress sheet and located to fasten to one another so that the mattress sheet is releasably fastened to the mattress casing. The mattress sheet may include three layers, a bottom layer that is water resistant, a top layer formed of a polyester material, and an intermediate layer interposed therebetween that is made of a material that is water absorbent. Preferably, when in the fastened state, the mattress sheet is taut across the casing interior, and completely removable from the casing.

The cooperative fasteners associated with the mattress casing and the mattress sheet may be selected from a group consisting of hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, button-and-hole fasteners and zippers. More particularly, the cooperating fasteners may include casing zipper teeth that are disposed on the inner surface of the casing sidewall at a location proximate to the top edge thereof. The casing zipper teeth are adapted to mate with sheet zipper teeth, which are disposed on the mattress sheet at a location proximate to a peripheral margin thereof. The zipper teeth may further be associated with a zipper slide that is disposed on of the casing sidewall or mattress sheet. Preferably, once the mattress sheet is in the fastened state, the cooperative fasteners are concealed from view.

If desired, the mattress sheet system may further be provided with a accessory items that are releasably securable to the upper surface of the mattress sheet. Such accessory items may be selected from the group consisting of sleep positioners, blankets, head rolls, toys, drool pads, and pillows. In addition, these selected accessory items may include a filaform fastening strip disposed on a portion thereof that is adapted to releasably secure to polyester tricot.

These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily understood and appreciated from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawing in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an infant lying on a mattress sheet system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the mattress sheet system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the mattress casing shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative mattress casing;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the crib mattress sheet shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 taken about lines 5-5;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a representative sleep positioner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 taken about lines 6-6;

FIG. 7 is a top view of an infant lying on a mattress sheet with an alternative sleep aid in the form of a head roll that is compatible with the mattress sheet according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bottom side of the head roll showing the compatible hook strips;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the mattress sheet shown in FIG. 2, partially cut away, with a compatible plush animal in the form of a teddy bear attached thereto;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the teddy bear shown in FIG. 9 showing the compatible hook strips attached thereto;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a drool pad that is compatible with the mattress sheet according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pillow that is compatible with the mattress sheet according to the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative mattress sheet according to the present invention shown in use with a conventional mattress.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to bedding particularly useful for infant cribs to provide the infant with a safe and comfortable sleeping environment and that is easier to remove and replace than conventional crib sheets. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a new and useful mattress sheet and a mattress sheet system wherein the mattress sheet is either a cooperative component with a mattress casing, or that may be configured as a fitted sheet for a standard sized mattress. The mattress sheet system may further include removable sleeping aids that are adapted to releasably secure to the mattress sheet.

As used herein, the term infant shall be understood to mean any child at the beginning of its life, including a newborn up through the age of a toddler. As discussed in view of the following description of the figures below, the crib sheet of the present invention is well suited for use with a standard sized mattress, but may also be sized and used for a variety of different infant sleeping environments such as in a bassinet or may even provide a clean playing area on the floor or other suitable support surface.

Turning then to the figures, reference is first made to FIG. 1, which shows the mattress sheet system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention in use by a sleeping infant 12. Infant 12 is asleep on top of crib sheet 20 and is lying between two sleep positioners 90, which help infant 12 to stay positioned on his/her back. Crib sheet 20 is held taut over the mattress when set within mattress casing 40 to define a fastened state. With reference to both FIGS. 1 and 2, mattress sheet system includes crib sheet 20 that is releasably fastened to mattress casing 40, which is sized to receive a standard sized mattress 42 in a close fitted relationship. Standard sized mattress 42 is of a conventional construction and readily available in the art.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, mattress casing 40 is generally constructed of various panel sections that may be stitched or otherwise joined together and that is formed of a lightweight, water resistant material, such as vinyl, nylon or other suitable water resistant material that provides a safe sleeping environment. Mattress casing 40 includes a flexible bottom panel 44, and first and second panel members 46 and 48.

First panel member 46 includes side section 41, foot section 47 and head section 51. Similarly, second panel member 48 includes side section 43, foot section 49, and head section 53. Respective foot sections 47 and 49 have confronting edges 50 and 52, which may be stitched or otherwise joined together to form junction 51 (shown in FIG. 2). Similarly, respective head sections 51 and 53 have confronting edges 54 and 56 that are stitched or otherwise joined to form junction 55 (shown in FIG. 2).

First and second panel members 46 and 48 are joined about the peripheral margin of bottom panel 44 to form a continuous casing wall surrounding an interior 99 for receiving mattress 42 in a close fitting relationship and having an inner surface and an outer surface. More specifically, as shown, corners 62 and 64 of first panel member 44 align with corners 66 and 68 of bottom panel 44, while corners 61 and 63 of second panel member 48 align with corners 65 and 67 of bottom panel 44 and joined thereabout.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, once the panel members 44, 46, and 48 of mattress casing 40 are joined together, a continuous top edge 70 is formed. Adjacent to top edge 70, and extending about the interior of casing 40 is a cooperative fastening element 72 in the form of a zipper system, including casing teeth 74 and slide 76 and pull tab 78. As will be discussed in more detail below, casing teeth 74 cooperate with sheet teeth 34 of crib sheet 20 to releasably fasten crib sheet thereto so that sheet 20 is pulled taut across the top of the mattress 42.

Turning next to FIG. 4, an alternative mattress casing 140 is shown and may, optionally, include top panel 145, also formed of the same water resistant material as the casing panels described above. Top panel 145 may be stitched about a majority of first and second panel sections 146 and 148, below and adjacent to zipper teeth 174, so as not to interfere with the fastening of the crib sheet. Top panel 145 may be stitched to panels sections 146 and 148 about a majority of the periphery of casing 140. A portion of said top panel 145, however, is not stitched to first and second panel sections so as to span the casing interior so as to form an entryway 160 to allow access to the casing interior 199 to allow for insertion of the mattress into the casing.

Now that mattress casing 40 and 140 have been described in some detail, the construction of crib sheet 20 may be further described. Accordingly, with reference to FIG. 2, crib sheet 20 includes a cooperative fastening system 32, shown here in the form of a zipper, which includes sheet zipper teeth 34 and tab 36. Tab 36 is sized and adapted to mate with slide 76 on the mattress so as to fasten crib sheet 20 thereto such that when in a fastened state, the crib sheet 20 spans the casing interior 99 (FIG. 2). As the slide is pulled with pull tab 78, teeth 74 and 34 mate with one another according to conventional zippers known in the art about the entire periphery to fasten sheet 20 and casing 40 together. As should be understood, then, sheet 20 may be completely removed from casing 40 simply by being unzipped therefrom. Other cooperative fasteners associated with the crib sheet and the casing are contemplated so as to releasably fasten the sheet and the casing. Such contemplated cooperative fasteners are may be disposed respectively on the mattress casing and the mattress sheet and located to fasten to one another and may include hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, and button-and-hole fasteners in addition to the aforementioned zipper fasteners.

Turning to FIG. 5, sheet 20 is preferably a unitary panel that is generally rectangular in construction and sized to span the casing interior. Sheet 20 is preferably formed of three layers, namely, inner layer 22, outer layer 26 and intermediate layer 24. Preferably, inner layer 22 is formed of vinyl or nylon, or other suitable water resistant material while intermediate layer 24 is formed of an absorbent material such as a polyester rayon blend, cotton, and the like. Inner layer 22 and intermediate layer 24 may be joined together by any conventional means, but preferably are laminated together. Due to the presence of inner layer 22 and intermediate layer 24, mattress system does not need an additional or separate mattress pad.

With respect to outer layer 26, it is desirable that it be formed of a soft material because it comes in direct contact with the infant. However, as will soon be appreciated, it is further desirable that outer layer 26 be formed of a material that is compatible with various filaform fasteners or hook fasterners, such as molden hooks or Velcro®, as known in the art. Accordingly, outer layer 26 may be formed of a polyester material such as 100% polyester tricot or other suitable hook fastening compatible material. Outer layer 26 is disposed on top of intermediate layer 26 and stitched or otherwise joined to inner layer 22 and intermediate layer 24 to form seam 28, which extends about a peripheral margin of sheet 20, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Also joined or otherwise attached to seam 28 is zipper tape 38 such that teeth, such as representative tooth 33, depend downwardly from sheet 20.

Since outer layer 26 is formed of a material that is compatible with hook fasteners such as molden hooks strips or Velcro® strips, it is desirable to provide sleeping aids or other crib decorations with hooks strips that are compatable with the outer layer material of the crib sheet. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 above, the mattress system according to the present invention also contemplates incorporating sleeping aids such as sleep postioners 90.

A representative positioner 90 is shown in FIG. 6, and is generally constructed of a casing 94, which receives a resilient foam piece 96 in a close-fitted relationship. Foam piece 96 may be formed of any suitable resilient foam material such as the memory foam. Casing 94 of positioning member 90 may be of any suitable fabric material that is comfortable against an infant's skin such as, silk, polyester, cotton, cotton blends, synthetics, synthetic blends, and the like. Preferably though, casing 94 is constructed of 100% polyester sandwich material to provide improved breathability. Casing 94 joins to form margin 98, which extends the length thereof.

It is further desirable that positioner 90 further include a cooperating hook strip 92, which is adapted to releasably attach to a cooperative loop fastener, such as the 100% tricot polyester material noted above. In this way, positioners 90 are not limited to being aligned parallel to one another, as shown in FIG. 1, but may also be positioned at any desired angle and spacing with respect to one another on outer surface 26. For example, positioning members 90 could be positioned to form a V-shape if so desired. Further, positioners 90 will better maintain their positioning due to their attachment to the crib sheet.

In addition to the sleep positioner 90 shown and described above, the present invention also contemplates the use of positioning members having different geometric shapes than that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and further contemplates adapting various other sleep aids and crib decorations to be releasably secured to the crib sheet. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, mattress sheet system 110 includes cooperating blanket 180 and cooperating head roll 190. Blanket 180, similar to the positioning members 90 described above, include means by which it may be fastened to crib sheet 120. For example, blanket 180 may be constructed so as to have hook strips 182, such as molden strips, adapted to releasably affix to the fabric material of the outer layer 126 of crib sheet 120.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8, a head roll 190 may include hook strips 192 that are also adapted to relesably attach to outer layer 126. As shown in FIG. 7, head roll 190 is placed about the head of infant 112 to prevent the infant's head from rolling out of a safe sleeping position. Strips 192 permit head roll to be adjusted to accommodate varying sizes of infant heads making the head roll more versatile and usable for infants of varying sizes.

Another compatible crib item may be in the form of a decoration, such as teddy bear 290 shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 10, the underside of teddy bear 290 includes three strips 292 that are adapted to releasably secure bear 290 to crib sheet 220. As should be appreciated, other plush toys such as dolls, balls, or other animals are contemplated.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show additional items that are suitable for use in an infant crib. FIG. 11 shows drool pad 390 while FIG. 12 shows pillow 490. Drool pad 390 may attach to the crib sheet by way of hook strips 392 and positioned under the infant to absorb baby moisture such as drooling, urinating, or vomiting. Pillow 490 may be used for additional comfort for a baby and be attached to the crib sheet by strip 492. For example, pillow 490 may be formed of memory foam that conforms to the infant's head and may help to reduce Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly).

Finally, turning now to FIG. 13, another embodiment of the crib sheet 520 according to the present invention is shown. Crib sheet 520 is configured as a fitted sheet that tightly fits over a conventional mattress 542. Crib sheet 520 may have the tri-layer construction described above, but, as shown, need not include a fastening system such as shown and described above with respect to FIG. 2. In this way, the crib sheet according to the present invention is not limited to use with a cooperating mattress casing. This further enhances the crib sheet's adaptability for use with other crib mattress that do not have such a casing. Further, as should be appreciated, without a fastening system, crib sheet 520 may be configured for use in a bassinet, for a young child's bed, who no longer sleeps in a crib, or just as a clean sheet for the child to play on a safe support surface such as the floor.

Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though, that the scope of the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein. 

1. A mattress sheet, comprising a panel of a selected size and configuration that is adapted to be disposed on a mattress in a close fitted relationship, wherein said panel includes: (A) a bottom layer that confronts said mattress when disposed thereon; (B) a top layer that provides an upper surface for said panel; and (C) an intermediate layer interposed between said top layer and said bottom layer.
 2. A mattress sheet according to claim 1 wherein said bottom layer is formed of a water resistant material.
 3. A mattress sheet according to claim 2 wherein said water resistant material is selected from the group consisting of vinyl and nylon.
 4. A mattress sheet according to claim 1 wherein said top layer is formed of a polyester material.
 5. A mattress sheet according to claim 4 wherein said polyester material is polyester tricot.
 6. A mattress sheet according to claim 1 wherein said intermediate layer is formed of a water absorbent material.
 7. A mattress sheet according to claim 6 wherein said water absorbent material is selected from the group consisting of a polyester rayon blend and cotton.
 8. A mattress sheet according to claim 1 wherein said top layer and said intermediate layer are laminated together.
 9. A mattress sheet according to claim 1 wherein said panel is generally rectangular in configuration.
 10. A mattress sheet system adapted for use with a mattress of a selected size and configuration, comprising: (A) a mattress casing sized and adapted to receive the mattress therein, including (1) a bottom panel; and (2) a surrounding sidewall joined to said bottom panel around a periphery thereof to form a casing interior and extending upwardly from said bottom panel to terminate in a top edge portion, said sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface; (B) a mattress sheet that spans the casing interior when in a fastened state; and (C) cooperative fasteners disposed respectively on said mattress casing and said mattress sheet and located to fasten to one another so that said mattress sheet is releasably fastened to said mattress casing.
 11. A mattress sheet system according to claim 10 wherein said mattress casing includes a top panel spaced apart from said bottom panel and spanning the casing interior.
 12. A mattress sheet system according to claim 11 wherein said top panel is joined to said sidewall around a majority of a periphery thereof so as to form an entryway to allow access to the casing interior whereby the mattress may be inserted through the entryway and into the casing interior.
 13. A mattress sheet system according to claim 10 wherein said casing is sized to receive the mattress in a close-fitted relationship.
 14. A mattress sheet system according to claim 10 wherein said mattress sheet includes (A) a bottom layer that faces the casing interior when in the fastened state; (B) a top layer that provides an upper surface for said sheet; and (C) an intermediate layer interposed between said top layer and said bottom layer.
 15. A mattress sheet system according to claim 14 wherein said bottom layer is formed of a water resistant material.
 16. A mattress sheet system according to claim 14 wherein said top layer is formed of a polyester material.
 17. A mattress sheet system according to claim 14 wherein said intermediate layer is formed of a water absorbent material.
 18. A mattress sheet system according to claim 10 wherein said mattress sheet is taut when in the fastened state.
 19. A mattress sheet system according to claim 10 where said mattress sheet is completely removable from said mattress casing.
 20. A mattress sheet system according to claim 10 wherein said cooperating fasteners are selected from a group consisting of hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, button-and-hole fasteners and zippers.
 21. A mattress sheet system according to claim 10 wherein said cooperative fasteners include (A) casing zipper teeth disposed on the inner surface of said casing sidewall at a location proximate to the top edge thereof; (B) sheet zipper teeth disposed on said mattress sheet at a location proximate to a peripheral margin thereof and adapted to mate with said casing zipper teeth; and (C) a zipper slide disposed on either said casing sidewall or said mattress sheet.
 22. A mattress sheet system according to claim 10 wherein said cooperative fasteners are concealed when in the fastened state.
 23. A mattress sheet system according to claim 10 including accessory items releasably securable to said mattress sheet and selected from the group consisting of sleep positioners, blankets, head rolls, toys, drool pads, and pillows.
 24. A mattress sheet system according to claim 23 wherein said accessory items include including a filaform fastening strip disposed on a portion thereof adapted to releasably secure to polyester tricot. 